WHILE Orange, Hyndburn Council and councillors have praised the mast for being well disguised, people who live near it are furious.

They say the tree-mast sticks out 'like a sore thumb' -- it doesn't sway in the wind, is an evergreen in an area of deciduous trees, is 15 metre high and has steel fencing around the bottom.

Already nearby residents are planning to compile a petition to present to the council to demand it is removed.

Some say the price of their houses will be devalued, while others are concerned about health risks, even though there has never been any proven link between radiation from masts and cancer.

Ann Hibbert, of Waltham Close, said: "I have spoke to the local councillors about this and won't rest until something is done. It is a monstrosity.

"Myself and some other residents are getting a committee together to protest about it. We had a magnificent view -- which was why we bought the house -- but this will take thousands of pounds off the property value.

"And I do not believe that something so close is not going to pose health problems . There are lots of fields around here where there are no houses so it should have gone there."

Diane Havlin, 36, new mother to baby Laiken, of Sherborne Avenue, Baxenden, said: "We said we didn't want it at first and wrote letters of complaint but it looks like we have no choice.

"We are most worried about the health effects as we are the nearest to it but it sticks out like a sore thumb as well and ruins the landscape. Many of us bought these houses because of the view and this will knock a lot of money off the house prices."

Tricia Kane, 23, a self employed courier, of Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, said: "I am quite shocked that it is a telephone mast and I guess it looks better than it could have done but I wouldn't want one near my house."

Kevin Snape, 41, a window cleaner, of Edleston Street, Accrington, said: "When you see it from a distance it doesn't look too bad but I think it gets worse as you get nearer to it.

"A lot of the residents are not happy about it and I can see how they would object. I'd give Orange 10 out of 10 for effort but I'm not too impressed with the finished design."